On 9 April 2026, EFR will host the second day of Inspiration Days 2026 at the Erasmus Paviljoen. This special afternoon programme offers attendees the opportunity to hear from Alar Karis, President of Estonia, who will receive the World Leader Cycle Award 2026.
The programme will begin with a walk-in and drinks, followed by a keynote session and the official handover of the award to President Karis. This will be a rare opportunity to hear from a sitting head of state in an academic setting, with reflections on leadership, international affairs, and public service.
Following this, the afternoon will continue with a panel discussion on ‘The Economics of Defense’: Speakers include Pieter Hasekamp (Director of CPB), François Bausch (former Minister of Defence of Luxembourg), and Maarten Smidts (Director of Industry and Innovation at the Ministry of Defence). Together, they will discuss how economies sustain defence efforts, the short- and long-term consequences of geopolitical instability, and the ways governments seek to maintain resilience, legitimacy, and stability in uncertain times.
The programme will conclude with networking drinks, offering students, alumni, and other attendees the opportunity to continue the conversation and connect in an informal setting.
How to attend?
Erasmus Alumni Club members are warmly welcome to attend this event. Erasmus Alumni Club has a limited number of spots available for this programme. Attendance is free of charge, but registration through Erasmus Alumni Club is required. This ticket gives access to the congress and the World Leader Cycle Award programme on 9 April 2026.
Timetable
14:30 - 15:00 | Walk-in with drinks
15:00 - 15:45 | Keynote speaker and handover of the World Leader Cycle Award to Alar Karis (President of Estonia)
15:45 - 16:00 | Break
16:00 - 17:00 | Panel discussion on ‘The Economics of Defense’
17:00 - 18:00 | Networking drinks
Please note: this ticket gives access to the EFR congress and Work Leader Cycle Award on 9 April only.